Semiconductor Devices Including a Guard Ring and Related Semiconductor Systems

ABSTRACT

Semiconductor devices are provided. The semiconductor devices may include a substrate and a transistor on the substrate. The semiconductor devices may include a first guard ring of first conductivity type in the substrate adjacent the transistor. The semiconductor devices may include a second guard ring of second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type in the substrate adjacent the first guard ring. Related semiconductor systems are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C§119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0036187, filed on Apr. 6,2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to semiconductor devices including aguard ring.

A semiconductor system, such as a system on chip (SOC), amicrocontroller unit (MCU), a display driver IC (DDI), or a powermanagement IC (PMIC) may include a processor, a memory, and/or aplurality of peripheral devices such as a logic circuit, a voice andpicture processing circuit, and/or various interfacing circuits.

Meanwhile, the semiconductor system may include a power transistor thattransmits power. A parasitic bipolar transistor (e.g., a parasitic NPNtransistor or a parasitic PNP transistor) in the power transistor,however, may provide a parasitic current resulting in noise on othercircuit blocks, and may generate latch-up (e.g., current leakage and/orcircuit failure).

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments of the present inventive concepts,semiconductor devices are provided that may include a transistor on asubstrate. The transistor may include a gate electrode, a sourceelectrode, and a drain electrode. The semiconductor devices may includea first guard ring, of a first conductivity type, in the substrateadjacent the transistor. The semiconductor devices may include a secondguard ring, of a second conductivity type that is different from (e.g.,opposite) the first conductivity type, in the substrate adjacent thefirst guard ring. The first guard ring may be configured to receive abias. The second guard ring may be configured to receive the same (e.g.,an equivalent) bias as the first guard ring. At least one of the sourceelectrode and the drain electrode may be configured to receive the same(e.g., an equivalent) bias as the first and second guard rings.

In various embodiments, the semiconductor devices may include a thirdguard ring, of the first conductivity type, that is closer to the secondguard ring than to the first guard ring. The bias of the first guardring may be a first bias. The third guard ring may be configured toreceive a second bias that is different from the first bias.

According to various embodiments, the first bias may be one of a groundvoltage and a power voltage, and the second bias may be the other one ofthe ground voltage and the power voltage.

In various embodiments, the first guard ring may form a perimeter aroundthe transistor, and the second guard ring may form a perimeter aroundthe first guard ring.

According to various embodiments, the substrate may include a basesubstrate and an epi layer of different (e.g., opposite) respectiveconductivity types. A portion of the first guard ring and a portion ofthe base substrate may overlap each other.

In various embodiments, the semiconductor devices may include a buriedlayer, of the second conductivity type, under the second guard ring inthe substrate such that a portion of the second guard ring and a portionof the buried layer overlap each other.

According to various embodiments, a depth of the first guard ring may begreater in the substrate than a depth of the second guard ring.

In various embodiments, the transistor may include an N-type lateraldouble diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor. The biasmay be a ground voltage. The source electrode may include first andsecond source electrodes on opposite sides of the drain electrode,respectively. In some embodiments, the first guard ring may be closer tothe source electrode than to the drain electrode.

According to various embodiments, the transistor may include a P-typelateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor.The bias may be a power voltage. The source electrode may include firstand second source electrodes on opposite sides of the drain electrode,respectively. In some embodiments, the first guard ring may be closer tothe source electrode than to the drain electrode.

In various embodiments, the transistor may include an N-type lateraldouble diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor. The biasmay be a power voltage. The drain electrode may include first and seconddrain electrodes. The source electrode may be between the first andsecond drain electrodes. In some embodiments, the first guard ring maybe closer to the drain electrode than to the source electrode.

Semiconductor devices according to various embodiments may include atransistor and a first guard ring, of a first conductivity type, thatforms a perimeter around the transistor and that is configured toreceive a first bias. The semiconductor devices may include a secondguard ring, of a second conductivity type that is different from (e.g.,opposite) the first conductivity type, that forms a perimeter around thefirst guard ring and that is configured to receive the first bias. Thesemiconductor devices may include a third guard ring, of the firstconductivity type, that forms a perimeter around the second guard ringand that is configured to receive a second bias that is different fromthe first bias.

In various embodiments, the transistor may include an N-type lateraldouble diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor. The secondbias may be greater than the first bias. The transistor may include asource electrode that is configured to receive the first bias.

According to various embodiments, the transistor may include an N-typelateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor.The first bias may be greater than the second bias. The transistor mayinclude a drain electrode that is configured to receive the first bias.

In various embodiments, the transistor may include a P-type lateraldouble diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor. The firstbias may be greater than the second bias. In some embodiments, the firstbias may be a power voltage and the second bias may be a ground voltage.Some embodiments provide that the transistor may include a sourceelectrode that is configured to receive the first bias.

Semiconductor devices according to various embodiments may include asubstrate and a lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor(LDMOS) transistor that is on the substrate and that is configured totransmit a signal through movement of carriers. The semiconductordevices may include a first guard ring that is in the substrate and thatforms a perimeter around the transistor. The semiconductor devices mayinclude a second guard ring that is in the substrate and that forms aperimeter around the first guard ring. The semiconductor devices mayinclude a third guard ring that is in the substrate and that forms aperimeter around the second guard ring. A potential level of the secondguard ring may be different from respective potential levels of thefirst and third guard rings. The second guard ring may be configured toprovide a potential barrier that impedes movement of the carriers fromthe first guard ring to the third guard ring.

Semiconductor systems according to various embodiments may include agate driver and a power stage connected to the gate driver andcontrolled by the gate driver. The power stage may include first andsecond transistors connected in series, a first guard ring of a firstconductivity type, and a second guard ring of a second conductivitytype. The first guard ring may form a perimeter around the firsttransistor, the second guard ring may form a perimeter around the firstguard ring, and the first and second guard rings may be configured toreceive the same (e.g., an equivalent) bias.

In various embodiments, the bias may be a first bias. The power stagemay include a third guard ring of the first conductivity type. The thirdguard ring may form a perimeter around the second guard ring and may beconfigured to receive a second bias that is different from the firstbias.

According to various embodiments, the gate driver may include a firstgate driver. The semiconductor system may include a second gate driver.The power stage may include a first power stage. The semiconductorsystems may include a second power stage that is connected to the secondgate driver and is controlled by the second gate driver. The secondpower stage may include third and fourth transistors connected in seriesand third and fourth guard rings of different (e.g., opposite)respective conductivity types. The third guard ring may form a perimeteraround the third transistor. The fourth guard ring may form a perimeteraround the third guard ring. The third and fourth guard rings may eachbe configured to receive the same (e.g., an equivalent) bias.

In various embodiments, the semiconductor systems may include aninductor that includes first and second ends, the first end connected toan output terminal of the first power stage and the second end connectedto an output terminal of the second power stage.

According to various embodiments, the semiconductor systems may includea power management IC (PMIC).

Semiconductor devices according to various embodiments may include afirst guard ring of a first conductivity type, the first guard ringforming a perimeter around a transistor on a substrate and beingconfigured to provide a first potential level. The semiconductor devicesmay include a second guard ring of a second conductivity type that isdifferent from (e.g., opposite) the first conductivity type, the secondguard ring forming a perimeter around the first guard ring and beingconfigured to provide a second potential level that is different fromthe first potential level.

In various embodiments, the first and second guard rings may beconfigured to simultaneously receive the same (e.g., an equivalent)bias.

According to various embodiments, the semiconductor devices may includea third guard ring of the first conductivity type, the third guard ringforming a perimeter around the second guard ring and being configured toreceive a bias different from the bias that the first and second guardrings are configured to receive.

In various embodiments, the semiconductor devices may include a buriedlayer of the second conductivity type that is between the substrate andthe first and second guard rings.

According to various embodiments, the second guard ring may have a moreshallow depth in the substrate than a depth of the first guard ring inthe substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the disclosure willbecome more apparent in view of the attached drawings and accompanyingdetailed description.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a semiconductor device, according tovarious embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of the semiconductor device ofFIG. 1, according to various embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts.

FIGS. 3 to 5 are block diagrams that illustrate operations of thesemiconductor device of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a semiconductor device, according to variousembodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C′ of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a potential diagram that illustrates operations of thesemiconductor device of FIG. 7, according to various embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, according tovarious embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 11 is a potential diagram that illustrates operations of thesemiconductor device of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 15 is a potential diagram illustrating operations of thesemiconductor device of FIG. 14, according to various embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a semiconductor system, according tovarious embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a semiconductor system, according tovarious embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are conceptual diagrams for explaining semiconductorsystems, according to various embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments are described below with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Many different forms and embodiments are possiblewithout deviating from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure andso the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willconvey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In thedrawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may beexaggerated for clarity. Like reference numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of the stated features, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“coupled,” “connected,” or “responsive” to, or “on,” another element, itcan be directly coupled, connected, or responsive to, or on, the otherelement, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, whenan element is referred to as being “directly coupled,” “directlyconnected,” or “directly responsive” to, or “directly on,” anotherelement, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. Thus, a “first” element could be termed a“second” element without departing from the teachings of the presentembodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts are described herein withreference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematicillustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) ofexample embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of theillustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniquesand/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments of theinventive concepts should not be construed as limited to the particularshapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations inshapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, animplanted region illustrated as a rectangle may have rounded or curvedfeatures and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges ratherthan a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, aburied region formed by implantation may result in some implantation inthe region between the buried region and the surface through which theimplantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figuresare schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustratethe actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limitthe scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/orthe present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized oroverly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a semiconductor device according to variousembodiments of the present inventive concepts. In particular, FIG. 1 isa circuit diagram of a semiconductor device, FIG. 2 is a block diagramof an example of the semiconductor device of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3 to 5illustrate operations of the semiconductor device of FIG. 1, accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts. Although thesemiconductor device may be a DC-DC converter, the present disclosure isnot limited thereto. Moreover, although FIG. 1 shows a full bridge powerstage, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, ahalf bridge switching regulator may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a semiconductor device 100 according to variousembodiments of the present inventive concepts may include a first gatedriver 10, a second gate driver 20, a first power stage 40, and a secondpower stage 50.

The first power stage 40 may be connected to the first gate driver 10and may be controlled by the first gate driver 10. The first power stage40 may include a first transistor MP1 and a second transistor MN1. Thefirst transistor MP1, which may operate as a pull up transistor, may beconnected between a power voltage VDD and a first output node A and maybe a lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS)transistor of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type). Alternatively,the first transistor MP1 may be a lateral double diffused MOS (LDMOS)transistor of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type), which may alsobe referred to as a high-side N-type LDMOS transistor. The secondtransistor MN1, which may operate as a pull down transistor, may beconnected between the first output node A and a ground voltage VSS andmay be an LDMOS transistor of the second conductivity type (e.g., Ntype). As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first parasitic diode D1 may beconnected to the first transistor MP1 and a second parasitic diode D2may be connected to the second transistor MN1. The first parasitic diodeD1 and the second parasitic diode D2 may operate when the firsttransistor MP1 and the second transistor MN1 are turned off.

The second power stage 50 may be connected to the second gate driver 20and may be controlled by the second gate driver 20. The second powerstage 50 may include a third transistor MP2 and a fourth transistor MN2connected in series. The third transistor MP2, which may operate as apull up transistor, may be connected between the power voltage VDD and asecond output node B and may be an LDMOS transistor of a firstconductivity type (e.g., P type). Alternatively, the third transistorMP2 may be an LDMOS transistor of a second conductivity type (e.g., Ntype), which may also referred to as a high-side N-type LDMOStransistor. The fourth transistor MN2, which may operate as a pull downtransistor, may be connected between the second output node B and theground voltage VSS and may be an LDMOS transistor of the secondconductivity type (e.g., N type). As illustrated in FIG. 1, a thirdparasitic diode D3 may be connected to the third transistor MP2 and afourth parasitic diode D4 may be connected to the fourth transistor MN2.The third parasitic diode D3 and the fourth parasitic diode D4 mayoperate when the third transistor MP2 and the fourth transistor MN2 areturned off.

A parasitic bipolar transistor (e.g., a parasitic NPN transistor or aparasitic PNP transistor) may be included in a semiconductor device 100.Additionally or alternatively, an inductor 30 may be connected betweenthe first output node A and the second output node B.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the first power stage 40 and the second powerstage 50 may be implemented as one (e.g., a single/individual)semiconductor chip. In some embodiments, the inductor 30 may not beincluded in the implemented semiconductor chip. Some embodiments providethat the first gate driver 10, the second gate driver 20, the firstpower stage, 40 and the second power stage 50 may be implemented as onesemiconductor chip.

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate operations of the semiconductor device 100according to various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.Referring to FIG. 3, for example, the first transistor MP1 and thefourth transistor MN2 may be turned on and the second transistor MN1 andthe third transistor MP2 may be turned off. Accordingly, a current I1,which flows through the first transistor MP1, the inductor 30, and thefourth transistor MN2, is generated. The inductor 30 tends to maintain acurrent level. After the operations illustrated in FIG. 3, at least oneof the first to fourth parasitic diodes D1 to D4 may operate.

For example, FIG. 4 shows a state in which only the fourth transistorMN2 is turned on after the operations shown in FIG. 3. To maintain acurrent flowing through the inductor 30, the second parasitic diode D2is turned on. Therefore, a current I2, which flows through the secondparasitic diode D2, the inductor 30, and the fourth transistor MN2, isgenerated.

In another example, FIG. 5 shows a state in which only the firsttransistor MP1 is turned on after the operations shown in FIG. 3. Tomaintain a current flowing through the inductor 30, the third parasiticdiode D3 is turned on. Therefore, a current I3, which flows through thefirst transistor MP1, the inductor 30, and the third parasitic diode D3,is generated.

Meanwhile, when at least one of the first to fourth parasitic diodes D1to D4 is turned on, a parasitic bipolar transistor may also be turnedon. If the parasitic bipolar transistor is turned on, the current mayflow through a parasitic bipolar transistor in an unwanted direction. Inother words, the current flowing through the parasitic bipolartransistor may affect nearby/adjacent circuit elements/blocks.

The semiconductor device 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts, however, may include a guard ring that mayblock the current flowing through the parasitic bipolar transistor.Therefore, stable operation of the semiconductor device 100 can beachieved. For example, the semiconductor device 100 may stably operateby lowering a gain of the parasitic bipolar transistor.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a semiconductor device 1, FIG. 7 is across-sectional view taken along the line C-C′ of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 isa potential diagram of operations of the semiconductor device 1,according to various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the semiconductor device 1 may include afirst region I, a second region II, and a third region III. An LDMOStransistor may be formed in the first region I (e.g., a transistorformation region). For example, an LDMOS transistor of a secondconductivity type (e.g., N type) may be formed in the first region I.The third region III may include a block region close to (e.g.,adjacent) the first region I. The second region II is a region betweenthe first region I and the third region III, and guard rings 162, 153,and 163 may be formed in the second region II.

Referring to FIG. 7, substrates 110 and 120 may include a base substrate110 of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type) and an epi layer 120 ofa second conductivity type (e.g., N type). For example, the basesubstrate 110 may include a silicon substrate, a gallium arsenidesubstrate, a silicon germanium substrate, a ceramic substrate, a quartzsubstrate, a glass substrate for display, or a semiconductor oninsulator (SOI) substrate. As an alternative to the base substrate 110and the epi layer 120 having different/opposite conductivity types, theepi layer 120 may have the same conductivity type as the base substrate110 in some embodiments.

First buried layers 131, 132, 133, and 134 of a first conductivity type(e.g., P type) and a second buried layer 142 of second conductivity type(e.g., N type) may be formed in the substrates 110 and 120. For example,the first buried layers 131 and 132 may be formed in the first region I,the first buried layers 133 and 134 may be formed in the second regionII, and the second buried layer 142 may be formed in the third regionIII. The first buried layers 131, 132, 133, and 134 may also be formedat a boundary between the base substrate 110 and the epi layer 120. Inother words, some portions (e.g., lower portions) of the first buriedlayers 131, 132, 133, and 134 and the second buried layer 142 may beformed in the base substrate 110 and the remaining portions (e.g., upperportions) may be formed in the epi layer 120. For example, the firstburied layers 131, 132, 133, and 134 and the second buried layer 142 maybe formed on the base substrate 110, the epi layer 120 may be formed onthe base substrate 110, and the first buried layers 131, 132, 133, and134 and the second buried layer 142 may be diffused into the basesubstrate 110 and the epi layer 120 by a subsequent annealing process.

Sinks 151 and 152 of a first conductivity type may be formed in thefirst region I of the substrates 110 and 120, and a deep well 161 of asecond conductivity type may be formed. As shown in FIG. 7, the sinks151 and 152 may come into contact (e.g., physical contact) with thefirst buried layers 131 and 132, respectively. Accordingly, portions ofthe sinks 151 and 152 may overlap portions of the first buried layers131 and 132, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the firstguard ring 162 may overlap a portion of the substrate 110.

An LDMOS transistor of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type) mayinclude gate electrodes 211 and 212, a drain electrode 201, and sourceelectrodes 202 and 203. The N-type LDMOS transistor used in thesemiconductor device 1 according to various embodiments of the presentinventive concepts may be a low-side N-type LDMOS transistor. Asdescribed herein, the “low-side” LDMOS transistor may refer to a pulldown transistor (e.g., a pull down transistor shown in FIG. 1). In someembodiments, the drain electrode 201 may be formed in a drift region 171of a second conductivity type, and the drift region 171 may be formed ina deep well 161. The drain electrode 201 may include a higherconcentration of second conductivity type dopants than the drift region171. Moreover, the drift region 171 may secure a breakdown voltage (BV)for a high voltage.

The source electrodes 202 and 203 may be formed in bodies 181 and 182 ofa first conductivity type. The drain electrode 201 may be connected toan output node, and the source electrodes 202 and 203 may be connectedto a first bias BIAS1. The first bias BIAS1 may be a ground voltage VSS,but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 7, in an LDMOS transistorof a second conductivity type, the source electrodes 202 and 203 may bedisposed on/at opposite sides (e.g., to the left and to the right,respectively) of the drain electrode 201, which may increase the currentdriving capacity of the LDMOS transistor. Ohmic contacts 191 and 192 ofa first conductivity type may be portions to which the first bias BIAS1is applied and may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) the sourceelectrodes 202 and 203 of the LDMOS transistor.

As described herein, the third region III may be a block region close tothe first region I. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a well 164 of a secondconductivity type may be formed in the third region III of thesubstrates 110 and 120, but is not limited thereto.

The first guard ring 162 of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type),the second guard ring 153 of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type),and the third guard ring 163 of the second conductivity type may beformed in the second region II of the substrates 110 and 120. The ohmiccontact 202 of the second conductivity type may be formed on the firstguard ring 162, the ohmic contact 193 of the first conductivity type maybe formed on the second guard ring 153, and the ohmic contact 204 of thesecond conductivity type may be formed on the third guard ring 163. Asdescribed herein, N type conductivity may be referred to as being“opposite” P type conductivity, and vice versa.

The first guard ring 162 may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) theLDMOS transistor, the second guard ring 153 may be formed close to(e.g., adjacent) the first guard ring 162, and the third guard ring 163may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) the second guard ring 153. Asshown in FIG. 6, the first guard ring 162 may surround (e.g., form aperimeter around) the first region I in the substrate 110 and 120 wherethe LDMOS transistor is formed, and the first bias BIAS1 may be appliedto first guard ring 162. The second guard ring 153 may surround (e.g.,form a perimeter around) the first guard ring 162 in the substrates 110and 120, and the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the second guardring 153. The third guard ring 163 may surround (e.g., form a perimeteraround) the second guard ring 153 in the substrates 110 and 120, and asecond bias BIAS2 (which may be different from the first bias BIAS1) maybe applied to the third guard ring 163.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, given an N-type LDMOS transistor, thesecond bias BIAS2 may be greater than the first bias BIAS1. For example,the second bias BIAS2 may be a power voltage VDD and the first biasBIAS1 may be a ground voltage VSS, but aspects of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto.

In addition, the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the sourceelectrodes 202 and 203 of the N-type LDMOS transistor. In other words,the first bias BIAS1 (i.e., the same/equivalent bias) may besimultaneously applied to the source electrodes 202 and 203, the firstguard ring 162, and the second guard ring 153. However, the same bias isnot necessarily to applied to the N-type LDMOS transistor sourceelectrodes 202 and 203, the first guard ring 162, and the second guardring 153.

In addition, a depth of the first guard ring 162 and a depth of thesecond guard ring 153 may be substantially the same, but aspects of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, thedepth of the first guard ring 162 may be greater than that of the secondguard ring 153. The depth of the first guard ring 162 or the secondguard ring 153 may be adjusted according to a processing condition or anoperation characteristic.

Meanwhile, a deep well 161 of a second conductivity type, a body 182 ofa first conductivity type (or the sink 152), and the first guard ring162 may constitute a parasitic bipolar transistor. When a correspondingparasitic diode (for example, at least one of parasitic diodes D1 to D4shown in FIG. 1) is turned on, the parasitic bipolar transistor may beturned on. Therefore, if the parasitic bipolar transistor is turned on,carriers (e.g., charges) may move from the drain electrode 201 to close(e.g., adjacent) blocks/elements through the parasitic bipolartransistor. In other words, the carriers (e.g., charges) may move fromthe first region I to the third region III due to the parasitic bipolartransistor. The first guard ring 162, the second guard ring 153, and thethird guard ring 163, however, may be positioned between the firstregion I and the third region III, thereby blocking moving carriers. Thecharges may be captured in a depletion region generated by the firstguard ring 162 and the second guard ring 153. Additionally, the thirdguard ring 163 may be provided for the purpose of extracting the chargeshaving passed through the depletion region to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first guard ring 162 and the second guard ring153 may be disposed closer to the source electrode 203 than to the drainelectrode 201. This is because the charges moving from the drainelectrode 201 to the source electrode 203 pass through the parasiticbipolar transistor. Accordingly, the first guard ring 162 and the secondguard ring 153 may be capable of blocking more charges.

FIG. 8 illustrates operations of the first guard ring 162, the secondguard ring 153, and the third guard ring 163. Referring to FIG. 8,reference numeral 330 denotes a conduction band, and reference numeral340 denotes a valence band. Charges may pass (e.g., as illustrated bythe charge movement 301) through the body 182 of a first conductivitytype (or the sink 152 of the first conductivity type) from the drainelectrode 201 and may gather in the first guard ring 162. Because apotential level of the second guard ring 153 may be higher than that ofthe first guard ring 162, the second guard ring 153 may serve as apotential barrier that impedes/prevents the charges from moving.

In addition, the third guard ring 163 may be provided for extracting thecharges having passed through the first guard ring 162 and the secondguard ring 153 to the second bias BIAS2. As shown in FIG. 8, a potentialbarrier level of the third guard ring 163 may be lower than that of thesecond guard ring 153.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to thefirst guard ring 162 and the second guard ring 153. However, as long asthe second guard ring 153 serves as a potential barrier, any bias may beapplied to the first guard ring 162 and the second guard ring 153. But,as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the same first bias BIAS1 is applied tothe first guard ring 162, the second guard ring 153, and the sourceelectrode 203, a size of the semiconductor device 1 (e.g., a chip size)can be reduced. If a bias applied to the source electrode 203 isdifferent from the bias applied to the first guard ring 162 and thesecond guard ring 153, a space for a buffer may be required.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 2 accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts. Descriptionsof features that are similar to those of the semiconductor device 1 ofFIG. 7 may be omitted. Referring to FIG. 9, the semiconductor device 2may include only a first guard ring 162 and a second guard ring 153. Inother words, a third guard ring (e.g., the third guard ring 163 of FIG.7) may be omitted. For example, if a quantity of carriers (e.g.,charges) passing through a depletion region formed by the first guardring 162 and the second guard ring 153 is not large enough to warrant anadditional barrier, then the third guard ring 163 may be omitted. Afirst bias BIAS1 may be applied to the first guard ring 162 and thesecond guard ring 153. The first bias BIAS1 may be applied to a sourceelectrode 203 of an LDMOS transistor as well.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 3 and FIG.11 is a potential diagram illustrating operations of the semiconductordevice 3, according to various embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts. Descriptions of features that are similar to those of thesemiconductor device 1 of FIG. 7 may be omitted. Whereas a low-sideN-type LDMOS transistor may be used as/in the semiconductor device 1 ofFIG. 7, a P-type LDMOS transistor may be used as/in the semiconductordevice 3 of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, the semiconductor device 3 may include a firstregion I, a second region I,I and a third region III. An LDMOStransistor may be formed in the first region I. The third region III mayinclude a block region close to (e.g., adjacent) the first region I. Thesecond region II may be a region between the first region I and thethird region III, and guard rings 155, 166, and 156 may be formed in thesecond region II.

In some embodiments, substrates 110 and 120 may include a base substrate110 of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type) and an epi layer 120 ofa second conductivity type (e.g., N type). A first buried layer (PBL)136 of a first conductivity type (P type) and second buried layers(NBLs) 143 and 145 of a second conductivity type (N type) may be formedin the substrates 110 and 120. For example, some portions of the secondburied layer 143 may be formed in the first region I, the first buriedlayer 136 and other portions the second buried layer 143 may be formedin the second region II, and the second buried layer 145 may be formedin the third region III.

A deep well 165 of second conductivity type (e.g., N type) may be formedin the first region I of the substrates 110 and 120. The LDMOStransistor of first conductivity type (e.g., P type) may include gateelectrodes 213 and 214, a drain electrode 194, and source electrodes 195and 196. The drain electrode 194 may be formed in a drift region 183 ofthe first conductivity type, and the source electrodes 195 and 196 maybe formed in wells 172 and 173 of the second conductivity type,respectively. The drain electrode 194 may be connected to an outputnode, and the source electrodes 195 and 196 may be connected to a firstbias BIAS1.

The first bias BIAS1 may be a power voltage VDD but is not limitedthereto. As shown in the LDMOS transistor of FIG. 10, the sourceelectrodes 195 and 196 may be disposed on/at opposite sides of the drainelectrode 194, which may increase the current driving capacity of theLDMOS transistor. Ohmic contacts 205 and 206 of a second conductivitytype (e.g., N type) may include portions to which the first bias BIAS1is applied and may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) the sourceelectrodes 195 and 196 of the LDMOS. Moreover, although a well 167 ofthe second conductivity type may be formed in the third region III ofthe substrates 110 and 120, aspects of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto.

A first guard ring 155 of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type), asecond guard ring 166 of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type), anda third guard ring 156 of the first conductivity type may be formed inthe second region II of the substrates 110 and 120. An ohmic contact 197of the first conductivity type may be formed on the first guard ring155, an ohmic contact 207 of the second conductivity type may be formedon the second guard ring 166, and the ohmic contact 198 of the firstconductivity type may be formed on the third guard ring 156.

The first guard ring 155 may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) theLDMOS transistor, the second guard ring 166 may be formed close to(e.g., adjacent) the first guard ring 155, and the third guard ring 156may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) the second guard ring 166. Thefirst guard ring 155 may surround (e.g., form a perimeter around) thefirst region I in the substrate 110 and 120 where the LDMOS transistoris formed, and the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the first guardring 155. The second guard ring 166 may surround (e.g., form a perimeteraround) the first guard ring 155 in the substrates 110 and 120, and thefirst bias BIAS1 may be applied to the second guard ring 166. The thirdguard ring 156 may surround (e.g., form a perimeter around) the secondguard ring 166 in the substrates 110 and 120, and a second bias BIAS2different from the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the third guardring 156. Moreover, the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the sourceelectrode 196 of the P-type LDMOS transistor of FIG. 10.

In addition, FIG. 10 illustrates that a depth of the first guard ring155 and a depth of the second guard ring 166 may be substantially thesame. For example, lowermost surfaces of the first and second guardrings 155 and 166, respectively, may be substantially coplanar.Alternatively, the first and second guard rings 155 and 166 may havedifferent depths. Moreover, the first guard ring 155 and the secondguard ring 166 may be disposed closer to the source electrode 196 thanto the drain electrode 194. The first guard ring 155 and the secondguard ring 166 may come into contact with the second buried layer 143.Accordingly, portions of the first guard ring 155 and the second guardring 166 may overlap a portion of the second buried layer 143.

Referring now to FIG. 11, reference numeral 331 denotes a conductionband and reference numeral 341 denotes a valence band. Holes (e.g., asillustrated by the “+” symbol in FIG. 11) may pass through a well 173 ofa second conductivity type (e.g., N type) from the drain electrode 194and may gather in the first guard ring 155. Because a potential level ofthe second guard ring 166 may be lower than that of the first guard ring155, the second guard ring 166 may serve as a potential barrier thatimpedes/prevents the holes from moving.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device according tovarious embodiments of the present inventive concepts. For simplicity ofexplanation, descriptions of features that are similar to those of thesemiconductor device 3 of FIG. 10 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 12, the semiconductor device 4 may include only thefirst guard ring 155 and the second guard ring 166. In other words, thethird guard ring 156 may be omitted. A first bias BIAS1 may applied tothe first guard ring 155 and the second guard ring 166. The first biasBIAS1 may also be applied to a source electrode 196 of an LDMOStransistor of the semiconductor device 4. If a quantity of carriers(e.g., holes) passing through a depletion region formed by the firstguard ring 155 and the second guard ring 166 is not large enough towarrant an additional barrier, then the third guard ring 156 may beomitted.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 5 accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts. For simplicityof explanation, descriptions of features that are similar to those ofthe semiconductor device 3 of FIG. 10 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the semiconductor device 5, a depth of a secondguard ring 174 of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type) may besmaller/shallower than that of a first guard ring 155. For example, adepth of the second guard ring 174 may be substantially the same as awell 173 of the second conductivity type. As an example, the secondguard ring 174 may be simultaneously formed with the well 173. The firstguard ring 155 may come into contact with a second buried layer 143,whereas the second guard ring 174 may not come into contact with thesecond buried layer 143. For example, a well 165 of the secondconductivity type may be between the second guard ring 174 and thesecond buried layer 143.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 6 and FIG.15 is a potential diagram illustrating operations of the semiconductordevice 6, according to various embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts. For simplicity of explanation, descriptions of features thatare similar to those of the semiconductor device 1 of FIG. 7 may beomitted.

Whereas a low-side N-type LDMOS transistor may be used as/in thesemiconductor device 1 in FIG. 7, a high-side N-type LDMOS transistormay be used as/in the semiconductor device 6 in FIG. 14. The “high-side”LDMOS transistor may be a pull up transistor.

Referring to FIG. 14, the semiconductor device 6 of FIG. 14 may includea first region I, a second region II, and a third region III. Ahigh-side N-type LDMOS transistor may be formed in the first region I.The third region III may include a block region close to (e.g.,adjacent) the first region I. The second region II may be between thefirst region I and the third region III, and guard rings 157, 169 and158 may be formed in the second region II.

According to various embodiments, substrates 110 and 120 may include abase substrate 110 of a first conductivity type (e.g., P type) and anepi layer 120 of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type). A firstburied layer (PBL) 138 of the first conductivity type (P type) andsecond buried layers (NBLs) 146 and 147 of the second conductivity type(N type) may be formed in the substrates 110 and 120. For example, someportions of the second buried layer 146 may be formed in the firstregion I, the first buried layer 138 and other portions of the secondburied layers 146 may be formed in the second region II, and the secondburied layer 147 may be formed in the third region III. A deep well 168of the second conductivity type may be formed in the first region I ofthe substrates 110 and 120.

The LDMOS transistor of second conductivity type (e.g., N type) mayinclude gate electrodes 215 and 216, drain electrodes 208 and 2092, andsource electrodes 209 and 2091. The drain electrodes 208 and 2092 may beformed in drift regions 174 and 175 of the second conductivity type, andthe source electrodes 209 and 2091 may be formed in a body 184 of firstconductivity type. The source electrodes 209 and 2091 may be connectedto an output node, and the drain electrodes 208 and 2092 may beconnected to a first bias BIAS1. The first bias BIAS1 may be a powervoltage VDD but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 14, in theLDMOS transistor, the drain electrodes 208 and 2092 may be disposedon/at opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides, respectively) of thesource electrodes 209 and 2091, which may increase the current drivingcapacity of the LDMOS transistor. For example, the source electrodes 209and 2091 may be between the drain electrodes 208 and 2092. Also, thesource electrodes 209 and 2091 may be on/at opposite sides of an ohmiccontact 199. Moreover, a well 1691 of the second conductivity type maybe formed in the third region III of the substrates 110 and 120, butaspects of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

Referring still to FIG. 14, the first guard ring 157 of a firstconductivity type (e.g., P type), the second guard ring 169 of a secondconductivity type (e.g., N type), and the third guard ring 158 of thefirst conductivity type may be formed in the second region II of thesubstrates 110 and 120. An ohmic contact 1991 of the first conductivitytype may be formed on the first guard ring 157, an ohmic contact 2093 ofthe second conductivity type may be formed on the second guard ring 169,and an ohmic contact 1992 of the first conductivity type may be formedon the third guard ring 158.

The first guard ring 157 may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) theLDMOS transistor, the second guard ring 169 may be formed close to(e.g., adjacent) the first guard ring 157, and the third guard ring 158may be formed close to (e.g., adjacent) the second guard ring 169. Thefirst guard ring 157 may surround (e.g., form a perimeter around) thefirst region I in the substrate 110 and 120 where the LDMOS is formed,and the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the first guard ring 157. Thesecond guard ring 169 may surround (e.g., form a perimeter around) thefirst guard ring 157 in the substrates 110 and 120, and the first biasBIAS1 may be applied to the second guard ring 169. The third guard ring158 may surround (e.g., form a perimeter around) the second guard ring169 in the substrates 110 and 120, and a second bias BIAS2 differentfrom the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the third guard ring 158.Moreover, the first bias BIAS1 may be applied to a drain electrode 2092of the N-type LDMOS transistor.

FIG. 14 further illustrates that a depth of the first guard ring 157 anda depth of the second guard ring 169 may be substantially the same. Forexample, lowermost surfaces of the first and second guard rings 157 and169, respectively, may be substantially coplanar. Alternatively, a depthof the first guard ring 157 and a depth of the second guard ring 169 maybe different. Moreover, the first guard ring 157 and the second guardring 169 may be disposed closer to the drain electrode 2092 than to thesource electrodes 209 and 2091. The first guard ring 157 and the secondguard ring 169 may be formed to come into contact with the second buriedlayer 146. Accordingly, portions of the first guard ring 157 and thesecond guard ring 169 may overlap a portion of the second buried layer146.

Referring now to FIG. 15, reference numeral 332 denotes a conductionband, and reference numeral 342 denotes a valence band. Holes (e.g., asillustrated by the “+” symbol) may pass through the drift region 175 ofsecond conductivity type from the drain electrodes 208 and 2092 andgather in the first guard ring 157. Because a potential level of thesecond guard ring 169 may be lower than that of the first guard ring157, the second guard ring 169 may serve as a potential barrier thatimpedes/prevents the holes from moving.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 7 accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts. For simplicityof explanation, descriptions of features that are similar to those ofthe semiconductor device 6 of FIG. 14 may be omitted. Referring to FIG.16, the semiconductor device 7 may include a first guard ring 157 and asecond guard ring 169 but may omit a third guard ring (e.g., the thirdguard ring 158 of FIGS. 14 and 15). For example, if a quantity ofcarriers (e.g., holes) passing through a depletion region formed by thefirst guard ring 157 and the second guard ring 169 is not large enoughto warrant an additional barrier, then the third guard ring 158 may beomitted. A first bias BIAS1 may be applied to the first guard ring 157and the second guard ring 169. Moreover, the first bias BIAS1 may beapplied to a drain electrode 2092 of an LDMOS transistor in thesemiconductor device 7 as well.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor device 8 accordingto various embodiments of the present inventive concepts. For simplicityof explanation, descriptions of features that are similar to those ofthe semiconductor device 6 of FIG. 14 may be omitted. Referring to FIG.17, in the semiconductor device 8, a depth of a second guard ring 1692of a second conductivity type (e.g., N type) may be smaller/shallowerthan that of a first guard ring 157. For example, a lowermost surface ofthe second guard ring 1692 may be shallower than lowermost surfaces ofdrift regions 174 and 175 of second conductivity type, respectively. Thefirst guard ring 157 may come into contact with a second buried layer146, whereas the second guard ring 1692 may not come into contact withthe second buried layer 146. As an example, an N-well 168 may be betweenthe second guard ring 1692 and the second buried layer 146.

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate semiconductor systems using a semiconductordevice according to various embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts. Referring to FIG. 18, a block diagram is provided of asemiconductor system 400 according to various embodiments. Thesemiconductor system 400 may include a battery 410, a power managementIC (PMIC) 420, and a plurality of modules 431 to 434. The PMIC 420 mayreceives a voltage from the battery 410, converts the voltage into avoltage level required for the respective modules 431 to 434 andsupplies the converted voltages to the respective modules 431 to 434.The PMIC 420 may include at least one of the semiconductor devices 1 to8 described herein, according to various embodiments of the presentinventive concepts.

Referring to FIG. 19, a block diagram is provided of a semiconductorsystem 500 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 19, thesemiconductor system 500 may be a portable terminal. The portableterminal 500 may include a controller 510, a PMIC 512, a battery 515, asignal processing unit 523, an audio processing unit 525, a memory 530,and a display 550. In some embodiments, the portable terminal 500 mayinclude a keypad 527 that includes keys for inputting numbers and/ortext information and/or functional keys for setting various functions.

The signal processing unit 523 performs wireless communication of aportable terminal and may include a RF unit and a modem. The RF unit mayinclude an RF transmitter that up-convert a frequency of a signaltransmitted and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies a signalreceived and down-converts a frequency. The modem may include atransmitter that encodes and modulates a signal transmitted and areceiver that demodulates and decodes the signal received from the RFunit.

The audio processing unit 525 of the portable terminal 500 mayprovide/cooperate with a codec, which may include a data codec and/or anaudio codec. The data codec may process packet data, etc., and the audiocodec may process an audio signal such as a voice or a multimedia file.In addition, the audio processing unit 525 may convert a digital audiosignal received from a modem into a digital analog signal through theaudio codec to reproduce the same (e.g., through a speaker (SPK)) or mayconvert an analog audio signal generated from a microphone (MIC) into adigital audio signal through the audio codec to then transmit the sameto the modem. The codec may be separately provided or may be included inthe controller 510 of the portable terminal.

The memory 530 may include a read-only memory (ROM) and/or arandom-access memory (RAM). The memory 530 may include a program memoryand/or data memories, which may store programs for controlling theoperation of the portable terminal 500 and/or data for booting theportable terminal 500, respectively.

The display 550 may display a video signal and/or user data on a screenand/or display data associated with a telephone call. The display 550may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode(OLED). When the LCD or OLED is implemented by/with touch screencapabilities, the display 550 may function as an input unit controllingthe portable terminal 500 together with the keypad 527.

The controller 510 controls the overall operation of the portableterminal 500. The controller 510 may include the PMIC 512. The PMIC 512may receive a voltage from the battery 515 and may convert the voltageinto a required voltage level. The PMIC 512 may include at least one ofthe semiconductor devices 1 to 8 described herein, according to variousembodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are conceptual diagrams of semiconductor systemsaccording to various embodiments of the present inventive concepts.Specifically, FIG. 20 shows a tablet portable electronic computingdevice 2000 (e.g., a tablet personal computer (PC), and the like) andFIG. 21 shows a notebook PC 2100. At least one of the semiconductordevices 1 to 8 described herein may be used in the tablet PC 2000 or thenotebook PC 2100. Moreover, it will be understood that the semiconductordevices 1 to 8 described herein may be applied to various otherintegrated circuits.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true spirit and scope. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law,the scope is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretationof the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not berestricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; atransistor on the substrate, the transistor comprising a gate electrode,a source electrode, and a drain electrode; a first guard ring of firstconductivity type in the substrate adjacent the transistor; and a secondguard ring of second conductivity type opposite the first conductivitytype in the substrate adjacent the first guard ring, wherein the firstguard ring, the second guard ring, and at least one of the sourceelectrode and the drain electrode are configured to receive anequivalent bias.
 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third guard ring of first conductivity type that is closerto the second guard ring than to the first guard ring, wherein: theequivalent bias comprises a first bias; and the third guard ring isconfigured to receive a second bias that is different from the firstbias.
 3. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the first biascomprises one of a ground voltage and a power voltage, and the secondbias comprises the other one of the ground voltage and the powervoltage.
 4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first guardring forms a perimeter around the transistor and the second guard ringforms a perimeter around the first guard ring.
 5. The semiconductordevice of claim 1, wherein: the substrate comprises a base substrate andan epi layer of different respective conductivity types; and a portionof the first guard ring and a portion of the base substrate overlap eachother.
 6. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising: aburied layer, of the second conductivity type, under the second guardring in the substrate such that a portion of the second guard ring and aportion of the buried layer overlap each other.
 7. The semiconductordevice of claim 1, wherein a depth of the first guard ring is greater inthe substrate than a depth of the second guard ring.
 8. Thesemiconductor device of claim 1, wherein: the transistor comprises anN-type lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS)transistor; the equivalent bias comprises a ground voltage; and thesource electrode comprises first and second source electrodes onopposite sides of the drain electrode, respectively.
 9. Thesemiconductor device of claim 8, wherein the first guard ring is closerto the source electrode than to the drain electrode.
 10. Thesemiconductor device of claim 1, wherein: the transistor comprises aP-type lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS)transistor; the equivalent bias comprises a power voltage; and thesource electrode comprises first and second source electrodes onopposite sides of the drain electrode, respectively.
 11. Thesemiconductor device of claim 10, wherein the first guard ring is closerto the source electrode than to the drain electrode.
 12. Thesemiconductor device of claim 1, wherein: the transistor comprises anN-type lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS)transistor; the equivalent bias comprises a power voltage; the drainelectrode comprises first and second drain electrodes; and the sourceelectrode is between the first and second drain electrodes.
 13. Thesemiconductor device of claim 12, wherein the first guard ring is closerto the drain electrode than to the source electrode.
 14. A semiconductordevice comprising: a transistor; a first guard ring of firstconductivity type that forms a perimeter around the transistor and thatis configured to receive a first bias; a second guard ring of secondconductivity type opposite the first conductivity type that forms aperimeter around the first guard ring and that is configured to receivethe first bias; and a third guard ring of first conductivity type thatforms a perimeter around the second guard ring and that is configured toreceive a second bias that is different from the first bias.
 15. Thesemiconductor device of claim 14, wherein: the transistor comprises anN-type lateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS)transistor; the second bias is greater than the first bias; and thetransistor further comprises a source electrode that is configured toreceive the first bias.
 16. The semiconductor device of claim 14,wherein: the transistor comprises an N-type lateral double diffusedmetal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor; the first bias is greaterthan the second bias; and the transistor further comprises a drainelectrode that is configured to receive the first bias.
 17. Thesemiconductor device of claim 14, wherein: the transistor is a P-typelateral double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor;and the first bias is greater than the second bias.
 18. Thesemiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the first bias comprises apower voltage and the second bias comprises a ground voltage.
 19. Thesemiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the transistor furthercomprises a source electrode that is configured to receive the firstbias.
 20. A semiconductor device comprising: a substrate; a lateraldouble diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor that is onthe substrate and that is configured to transmit a signal throughmovement of carriers; a first guard ring in the substrate and forming aperimeter around the transistor; a second guard ring in the substrateand forming a perimeter around the first guard ring; and a third guardring in the substrate and forming a perimeter around the second guardring, wherein: a potential level of the second guard ring is differentfrom respective potential levels of the first and third guard rings; andthe second guard ring is configured to provide a potential barrier thatimpedes movement of the carriers from the first guard ring to the thirdguard ring.
 21. A semiconductor system comprising: a gate driver; and apower stage connected to the gate driver and controlled by the gatedriver, wherein: the power stage comprises first and second transistorsconnected in series, a first guard ring of a first conductivity type,and a second guard ring of a second conductivity type; and the firstguard ring forms a perimeter around the first transistor, the secondguard ring forms a perimeter around the first guard ring, and the firstand second guard rings are configured to receive an equivalent bias. 22.The semiconductor system of claim 21, wherein: the equivalent biascomprises a first bias; and the power stage further comprises a thirdguard ring of first conductivity type that forms a perimeter around thesecond guard ring and that is configured to receive a second bias thatis different from the first bias.
 23. The semiconductor system of claim21, wherein: the gate driver comprises a first gate driver; thesemiconductor system further comprises a second gate driver; the powerstage comprises a first power stage; the semiconductor system furthercomprises a second power stage that is connected to the second gatedriver and is controlled by the second gate driver; and the second powerstage comprises: third and fourth transistors connected in series; andthird and fourth guard rings of different respective conductivity types,wherein: the third guard ring forms a perimeter around the thirdtransistor; the fourth guard ring forms a perimeter around the thirdguard ring; and the third and fourth guard rings are each configured toreceive an equivalent bias.
 24. The semiconductor system of claim 23,further comprising an inductor comprising first and second ends, thefirst end connected to an output terminal of the first power stage andthe second end connected to an output terminal of the second powerstage.
 25. The semiconductor system of claim 21, wherein thesemiconductor system comprises a power management IC (PMIC).
 26. Asemiconductor device comprising: a first guard ring of firstconductivity type, the first guard ring forming a perimeter around atransistor on a substrate and being configured to provide a firstpotential level; and a second guard ring of second conductivity typeopposite the first conductivity type, the second guard ring forming aperimeter around the first guard ring and being configured to provide asecond potential level that is different from the first potential level.27. The semiconductor device of claim 26, wherein the first and secondguard rings are configured to simultaneously receive an equivalent bias.28. The semiconductor device of claim 27, further comprising a thirdguard ring of first conductivity type, the third guard ring forming aperimeter around the second guard ring and being configured to receive abias different from the equivalent bias that the first and second guardrings are configured to receive.
 29. The semiconductor device of claim28, further comprising a buried layer of the second conductivity typethat is between the substrate and the first and second guard rings. 30.The semiconductor device of claim 27, wherein the second guard ring hasa more shallow depth in the substrate than a depth of the first guardring in the substrate.